Five things to know this week

Each Monday, The Daily News Journal brings you the five things to know for the week.

1. The sixth annual NightWatch New Year's celebration is scheduled for 7 to 10 p.m. Tuesday at the First Presbyterian Church at East College and North Springs streets in Murfreesboro.

The charitable and social event is designed to be family-friendly, and alcohol is not allowed, according to organizers. Donation opportunities for local nonprofit groups and Red Cross aid to the Philippines following Typhoon Haiyan will be available.

The event is free and open to the public, and attendees are invited to bring leftover holiday treats to enjoy with the coffee provided. Music City Swing will perform '50s style music, and a "virtual midnight" countdown will be held at 10 p.m.

2. In observance of New Year's Eve, McFadden Community Center will be open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Patterson Park Community Center, SportsCom, and the Wilderness Station will close at 5 p.m. on Tuesday.

In observance of the New Year's Day holiday, all City of Murfreesboro offices, recreational facilities, golf courses, and St. Clair Street Senior Center, will be closed on Wednesday.

All scheduled daily garbage pick-up routes will run as usual for the week. There will be no change.

3. The United Way of Rutherford and Cannon Counties will host its first annual Community Baby Shower starting Wednesday to benefit at-risk families in Rutherford and Cannon Counties.

Items needed for the Community Baby Shower include onesies, diapers, bottles, baby wipes, blankets, and/or formula. Items may be delivered to the following locations until Jan. 20:

4. Folks who like celebrating the new year in chilling fashion will get that chance at 10 a.m. Saturday if they participate in the 10th annual Polar Bear Plunge in the outdoor pool at SportsCom in Murfreesboro.

The city will register plungers at 8:30 a.m. and create an "Arctic Adventure" for families to play games, play on inflatables, drink coffee or hot chocolate, eat doughnuts. T-shirts to commemorate the plunge will be available for purchase the day of the event.

Preregistration is not required but will be available at SportsCom, which has an entrance on the south side of DeJarnette Lane near Memorial Boulevard. The event is for all ages.

5. An educational talk entitled "Get MAD! (Migrate, Adapt, or Die)" is scheduled to take place at 11 a.m. Saturday at the Wilderness Station at Barfield Crescent Park at697 Veterans Parkway in Murfreesboro.

The talk will explore how animals survive the cold winter months using techniques to find food, water and shelter. The event is free and open to the public, and advance registration is required. Registration can be made at 615-217-3017. This event is recommended for children from 8 to 12 years old.

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Five things to know this week

1. The sixth annual NightWatch New Year's celebration is scheduled for 7 to 10 p.m. Tuesday at the First Presbyterian Church at East College and North Springs streets in Murfreesboro.